The serious longer-term impacts of COVID-19 on mental health
As we all do our part to flatten the coronavirus curve, a concerning new curve is emerging. Reported in The Australian last week, an increase in suicide rates and a generational mental health crisis directly linked to the pandemic is being predicted by the country's top mental health experts.1 While people have been actively considering how best to manage the physical second wave of COVID-19, few organisations are putting the same thought and preparation into this ‘mental health’ second wave. Mental health has been reprioritised and is now front and centre of the national health agenda and transition strategy right now. With the estimated cost of lost productivity reported to be up to $5 billion. It is perfectly normal in a crisis for people to focus on their immediate needs, just as it is for organisations. Many organisations, and their leaders, must now shift their thinking to how best support the mental health and wellbeing of their people.
AccessEAP works with organisations to proactively build resilience and target protective factors to support people through change. Helping organisations to prepare their people to achieve the best outcomes and meet new challenges.
AccessEAP recognises that leaders need support to find the time and space to make difficult decisions and equip their workplaces for the transition to the ‘new normal’ and potential return to the physical workplace. Data from Professor Ian Hickie at Sydney University’s, Mind and Brain Centre shows that mental health will be the number one priority for leaders through COVID-19, recovery and a potential recession. “Now the most important part of the recovery is helping as many people return to work as soon as possible.” 2.
Our Clinical and Organisational Development teams work with our customers to build on what’s currently working in their people strategy and successfully harness this for the additional investment needed to target support for your people and organisation. Contact your Relationship Manager to ensure your organisation is getting the most impactful benefit from the latest COVID-19 support resources available from AccessEAP.
References:
1. The Australian article: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/suicides-toll-far-higher-than-coronavirus/news-story/25a686904b67bdedbdcd544b1cab7f96
2. ABC article: https://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2020-04-30/coronavirus-mental-health-second-wave-impacts-of-pandemic/12197930
